Pipe hanger



Nov. 12, 1963 E. suGARMAN ETAL 3,110,465

PIPE HANGER Filed Dec. 19. 1961 INVENTORS EDWARD SUGAR/WAN CLYDE F.CABLE ATTORNEYS United States Patent O 3,110,465 PEPE HANGER EdwardSugarman, 155 Mayfair Drive, and Clyde F. Cable, 695 45th Ave., both ofSan Francisco, Calif. Filed Dec. 19, 1961, Ser. No. 160,452 10 Claims.(Cl. 248-74) The present invention relates to improvements in a pipehanger and particularly to a pipe hanger suitable for supporting coppertubing.

Recently, the use of copper tubing for water lines, and particularly hotwater lines, has become quite popular because of the advantages obtainedby reduced corrosion both inside and outside. This reduced corrosiongives the tubing a longer operating life together with more satisfactoryoperation resulting from the maintenance of an tuiobstructed passage.

Prior to the present invention, such tubes were generally supported byconventional pipe hangers which are usually of a U-shape proportioned tofit around the pipe, and which have outwardly extending tabs throughwhich screws and bolts are engaged. These hangers are typically formedof galvanized iron or similar material.

While supports of the class mentioned above are suitable for the purposeof holding the copper pipes, such installations have certaindisadvantages. One of these disadvantages is caused by axial expansionand contraction of the pipe due to temperature changes. This drags thepipe through the hanger, causing annoying groaning and scraping noises.The problem is further aggravated by the high coefficient of expansionof copper and by the differential expansion between the hanger and thepipe.

Another problem that has been encountered with such conventionalsupports is the electrolytic effect between two dissimilar metals whichtends to eat away the coper at the hanger. Such corrosion results in theloss of one of the advantages obtained by using copper pipe.

It has been suggested to wrap the pipe with plastic tape, but thisinvolves time-consuming labor, is expentubing in the hanger undercertain conditions, causing unwanted buckling of the pipe.Alternatively, the plastic tends to catch on the hanger as it movesaxially until the tape works out and no longer gives firm support.

It is therefore la primary object of this invention to provide a pipehanger Winch provides a satisfactory, secure and firm support for thepipe but which will allow the pipe to slide freely and silently throughthe hanger.

Another object of the invention is to provide a metallic pipe hangerwhich supports a pipe of dissimilar metal upon a surface that doesnotproduce an electrolytic effect in `Contact ywith the pipe.

A further object of the invention is to provide a pipe hanger of thecharacter described which performs its functions and is not adversely`affected by the range of temperatures encountered in hot Water pipes.

Still another object of the invention is the provision of a pipe ,hangerof the character described that is simple in construction and capable ofproviding many jyears of satisfactory service. K

Further objects and advantages of our invention will be apparent as thespecification progresses, and the new and useful features of our pipehanger will be fully defined in the claims attached hereto.

In its broad aspect, the present invention provides a pipe hanger`comprising a metal bracket having a resilient fibrous material on itsinner surface which is adapted to grip the pipe i-n a manner preventinglateral movement of the pipe while allowing axial movement. Preferably,the resilient material is felted and is of such natune as t have acomparatively low coefficient of friction against a ice copper surface,felted fibers of organic origin being partcularly well adapted for thisuse.

The preferred forms of the invention are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawing, forming a part of this specification, in which:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view showing two forms of pipe hangersconstructed according to the invention as seen in place on a copper tubeor pipe;

FIGURE 2, la cross-sectional view taken in the plane of line 2 2 ofFIGURE l; and

FIGURE 3, a cross-sectional View taken in the plane of line 3-3 ofFIGURE 1.

While we have shown only the preferred forms of our invention, it shouldbe understood that various changes or modifications may be made withinthe scope of the claims attached hereto without departing from thespirit of the invention.

sive, and the tape tends to prevent free movement of the Referring tothe drawing in detail and particularly to FIGURE 1, there is shown apipe 11 having pipe hangers 12 and 13 in supporting position thereon.Both of the pipe hangers 12 and 13 are constructed in accordance withthe present invention and comprise a first section 14 formed from ametal strip 15 having a substantially U- shaped portion 16 and asubstantially fiat portion 17 extending laterally from the leg of the U,and a felt pad 18 permanently attached to the inner surface of the firstsection in position to bear against a pipe embraced by U- shaped portion16. l

The U-shaped portion 16 has a part thereof in the shape of a circulararc, preferably a semicircle. 'Ihe depth of the U with the felt liningin place will be substantially the diameter of the semcircle in theforms here shown to provide the desired resilient grip on pipe 11. Inthe preferredforms, another substantially fiat portion 19 extendslaterally from the leg of the U opposite portion 17.

It is important that the felt pad be permanently Secured to the firstsection so that slippage of the pipe takes place between the pipe andthe felt pad. For this reason, it is necessary that the coefficient offriction between the pad and the pipe be low for best results.

In general, the felt may be composed of any fibrous material having thedescribed resiliency and low coefficient of friction, including but notlimited to organic fibers, either natural or synthetic. Suitablematerials of this class include animal hairs such as wool, mohair andhorsehair, vegetable fibers such as cotton and linen, and syntheticfibers suchV as regenerated cellulose and nylon. We have found thatfelted animal hairs such as wool provide excellent resiliency and lowcoefficient of friction, and have a long, trouble-free operating lifeunder the conditions normally encountered in copper tubinginstallations. Y

Pipe hangers 12 and 13 also each include a second section 21 containinga substantially fiat metal strip 22 adapted to fit across the open endof the U and against the laterally extending portion of said firstsection. Where the first section has two laterally extending portions,as in the preferred embodiments shown in the drawing, the second sectionfits against both portions.

Metal strip 22 also has a felt pad 23 attached thereto on the sideadjacent the first section. This felt pad is also permanently attachedto the metal so as to allow the pipe'V to slip against the felt whilepositively preventing the felt from slipping against the metal strip.Attachment of felt pads 1S and 23 may be accomplished by any suitableglue or other bonding means that provides permanent adherence betweenthe felt and the metal.

As shown in the drawings, two holes 24 and 26, suitable for receivingscrews, bolts or other fastening means, are provided through portions17, 19 and strip 22. At-

.3 taehinent to studs, ioists or other supports may be accomv plished byusing one or both holes.

ln the preferred forms illustrated, the felt pads l and 23 also coverthe entire inside surfaces of the metal strips l5 and 23 and yieldsomewhat as the fastening means arev used to tighten the stripsrelatively together. This serves to control the pressure exerted throughthe cushion of felt against the pipe so that the pipe is gripped againstlateral movement yet not gripped too tightly for axial movement to takeplace. ln addition, such construction helps to retain Le felt strips inplace as the pipe moves axially.

An advantage of the invention resides in the ease of fabrication of theunit. This is particularly true of the preferred embodiments shown inthe drawings. Thus in FlGURES l and 2, the entire unit is constructedfrom a single metal strip with the two sections being integrallyconnected at the end of a laterally extending portion.- When fabricatingthe unit, the felt pad is glued in place, the U is formed in the uppersection, and the strip is bent over at Z7 to form the body of thehanger. Holes 24 and Z6 are then bored or punched in the desiredpositions.

ln the embodiment shown in FIGURES l and 3, each section is formedseparately with the felt pads glued in place. A hollow rivet 28 isinstalled to hold sections le and 2l together and, at the same time,provide the hole'I 24. Hole Z6 may then be formed through the extendingportion lltg and confronting area of section 2l. Other methods offabricating these embodiments will be apparent to those slrilled in theart, and these steps are given for illustration only. In addition, otherforms or modilication may also be used, if desired, without departingfrom the invention.

ln a typical installation, the pipe hanger will be slid over the end ofthe pipe il, and fastened in place. For example, it may be screwed towooden floor joists or studs, using one or both holes. It may also bebolted to a conventional strap-type pipe hanger, if desired. In eithercase, the pipe is free to slide axially without noises due to scrapingof metal on metal. The felt also serves to dampen vibrations in the pipewhich may be caused from noisy valves or the like, and prevent theirtransmission to walls or iloors.

We claim:

l. A pipe hanger, comprising metallic support means formed for receivinga pipe in encircling relation thereto, a resilient pad secured to saidsupport means in position to be interposed between said means and thepipe, said means being adapted for clamping said pad against the pipe,and said pad being formed of a material having a low coefficient offriction with the pipe whereby the pipe will. be held irmly againstlateral movement and with freedom of axial movement relative to saidsupport means.

2. The pipe hanger dei-ined in claim l, in which the pad consistsessentially of a felted fibrous material.

3. A pipe hanger, comprising a metal bracket having a portion thereof inthe shape of a circular arc, and a felt pad permanently attached to theinner surface of said bracket and forming an inner surface of feltwhereby the felt fits snugly against a pipe with a grip suflicient toprevent lateral movement While allowing axial movement.

4. The pipe hanger dened in claim 3, in which the i felt is Wool and inwhich the felt is present over the entire inside walls which areengageable with a pipe.

5. A pipe hanger, comprising a first section containing in the shape ofa circular arc and having a portion thereof a substantially i-shapedmetal strip having a part thereof extending laterally from the leg ofthe U, a felt pad permanently attached to the entire inner surface ofsaid first section, a second section containing a substantially at metalstrip adapted to Iit across the open end of the U and against thelaterally extending portion of said iirst section, and a felt padpermanently attached to the entire surface of the second section on theside adjacent said iirst section.

6. The pipe hanger dened in claim 5, in which holes are Vprovided in thelaterally extending portion to accommodate fastening means.

7. A pipe hanger, comprising a first section formed from a metal striphaving a substantially U-shaped portion with a part thereof in the shapeof a semicircle and a depth ot substantially the diameter of thesemicircle and having laterally extending portions extending in oppositedirections 'from the upper ends of the legs of the U, .a felt padpermanently attached to the inner surface oi said first section, asecond section formed of a substantially hat metal strip adapted to fitacross the open end of the U and against the laterally extendingportions or said irst section, and a felt pad permanently attached tothe second section on the side adjacent said irst section.

8. A pipe hanger, comprising a first section formed from a metal striphaving a substantially U-shaped portion with a part thereof in the shapeof a semicircle and a depth of substantially the diameter of thesemicircle and having laterally extending portions extending in oppositedirections from the upper ends of the legs of the U, a felt padpermanently attached to the entire inner surface of said irst section, asecond section formed of a substantially hat metal strip adapted to llitacross the open end of the U and against the laterally extendingportions of said iii-st section, and a felt pad permanently attached tothe entire surrace of the second section on the side adjacent said rstsection, said first and second sections being formed from the same stripand being integrally connected at the end of a laterally extendingportion.

9. A pipe hanger, comprising a rst section formed from a metal striphaving a substantially U-shaped portion With a part thereof in the shapeof a semicircle and a depth of substantially the diameter of thesemicircle and having laterally extending portions extending in oppositedirections from the upper ends of the legs of the U, a felt padpermanently attached to the entire inner surface of said rst section, asecond section formed of a substantially hat metal strip adapted to iitacross the open end of the U and against the laterally extendingportions of said first section, a felt pad permanently attached to theentire surface of the second section on the side adjacent said rstsection, and walls defining a hole in each of the laterally extendingportions of said rst section and the portion of said second sectionfitting thereagainst.

l0. The pipe hanger defined in claim 9, in which the walls defining thehole in one otl the laterally extending portions are formed within arivet which permanently holds said first section and said second sectiontogether.

References Citetl in the tile of this patent UNlTED STATES PATENTSSchmitt lan. 2, 1962

1. A PIPE HANGER, COMPRISING METALLIC SUPPORT MEANS FORMED FOR RECEIVINGA PIPE IN ENCIRCLING RELATION THERETO, A RESILIENT PAD SECURED TO SAIDSUPPORT MEANS IN POSITION TO BE INTERPOSED BETWEEN SAID MEANS AND THEPIPE, SAID MEANS BEING ADAPTED FOR CLAMPING SAID PAD AGAINST THE PIPE,AND SAID PAD BEING FORMED OF A MATERIAL HAVING A LOW COEFFICIENT OFFRICTION WITH THE PIPE WHEREBY THE PIPE WILL BE HELD FIRMLY AGAINSTLATERAL MOVEMENT AND WITH FREEDOM OF AXIAL MOVEMENT RELATIVE TO SAIDSUPPORT MEANS.